Drugs in the Czech Republic and Slovakia

High contrast

Why are the Czechs more lenient on narcotic use than the Slovaks?

FOR many Czechs, CzechTek, an outdoor rave where revellers danced for days, often on a cocktail of speed, ecstasy and methamphetamine, was once a highlight of the summer. Authorities concerned about drug use found it less attractive. Five years ago 80 people were hurt when police used water cannon and tear gas on a crowd of 5,000 ravers. Jiri Paroubek, the prime minister, described them as “obsessed people with anarchist proclivities…who provoke massive violent demonstrations, fuelled by alcohol and drugs, against peaceful society”.

So it came as a surprise when Czech politicians liberalised the country's drug laws. Since January 1st techno fans (and other users) have faced nothing worse than a fine if caught with an amount the law considers intended for personal use.

Across the border in Slovakia, the prospect of decriminalisation was briefly raised when a political newcomer, SaS (Freedom and Solidarity), which had campaigned to decriminalise cannabis, joined a centre-right coalition that took power in June. But SaS's partners demurred, insisting that Slovaks were unprepared for such a radical move. Slovakia's harsh drug laws, under which possession of even small amounts of cannabis can result in up to three years' imprisonment, look set to stay.

For most drugs, usage is higher in the Czech Republic than in Slovakia (see chart). Among the young the difference is particularly marked. Some 45% of Czech 15- and 16-year-olds say they have smoked cannabis in the previous year, against 29% of young Slovaks (although the figure is rising in both countries). Recreational use in the Czech Republic probably accounts for much of the difference. According to a Slovakian agency, drug use in that country is mainly associated with illness and crime.

In part, the contrasting approaches to drug legislation in the two countries, which parted ways in 1993, reflect long-standing cultural differences. Notwithstanding the odd prime-ministerial outburst, Czechs are a secular, tolerant lot, with liberal attitudes. Slovakia, a more conservative place, tends to adopt a more sceptical approach to liberal innovations like relaxing drug laws.

But the Czech move is motivated not only by mores. The government aims to emphasise a legal distinction between users and producers, as part of a plan to clamp down on the country's growing reputation as a narcotics factory. In recent years the Czech Republic has become Europe's chief methamphetamine producer. Mass-production of cannabis is another problem. The government is setting its sights higher than a few sweaty dancers.

Correction: In the original version of this article, we said that the Czech Republic and Slovakia went their separate ways in 1989. In fact Czechoslovakia split into its component parts in 1993. Apologies.